PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Over 18 Performance status: Zubrod 0-2 Life expectancy: More than 12 weeks Hematopoietic: WBC at least 3,000/mm3 Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hemoglobin at least 10 g/dL (transfusion allowed) Hepatic: Bilirubin less than 1.5 mg/dL SGPT no greater than 1.5 times normal Renal: Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min Cardiovascular: No myocardial infarction within the past 6 months No unstable angina, uncontrolled congestive heart failure, or uncontrolled arrhythmia Ejection fraction at least 40% Other: No other malignancy within the past 5 years No concurrent serious infection, including post-obstructive pneumonia No more than 10% weight loss in past 3 months Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use adequate contraception